Genre: Black metal
Origin: Brazil
Released: 2008
Website: Vinterthron
Label: Ashen Productions
Uploaded: 18.02.09

For some reason I was under the impression that Vinterthron was a Greek band, and therefore I expected Greek-sounding black metal. But I was wrong on both accounts, as this Brazilian act presents extremely Norwegian sounding black. In fact, it’s so Norway-oozing one might wonder which album from the early 90ies they stole it all from. But do not despair, this isn’t a rip-off, albeit copy cat. There are thousands of other bands out there doing the exact same thing, but certainly not as well.
There’s no doubt in my mind that Darkthrone, Taake, Gorgoroth, Kampfar (etc) have a solid place in the band’s record collection, as well as other nation’s take on the same style, with Craft, Corpus Christii and such coming to mind. But it’s alright in this case. This type of Scandinavian old school black metal is worshipped and copied to such marvelous extent, and in most cases it brings little to none in excitement. This is where Vinterthron stands out, ‘cause this is really good stuff. It brings absolutely nothing new to the genre, but it’s sweet listening.
The cold, harsh and hateful atmosphere is nailed, with a perfect production that has just the right amount of roughness to sound ‘evil’, but not awful. The melodic riffing and raspy screams reek of worship for the dark Norwegian forests and high mountains overlooking the icy fjords. One can’t help but to get drawn into the tremendous atmosphere when the riffing during Imminent chaos is accompanied by the mid-tempo blasting. It is precisely executed in a magnificent manner. Such a tribute to the old school spirit. And if any of the previously mentioned acts gets you salivating, and you don’t mind the lack of originality, I can highly recommend Reign ov opposites. I certainly don’t mind it this time around.

Tracklist:
01. Rising / Dark congregation
02. Blade’s blood taste
03. Thy almighty pestilence
04. The new light
05. Reign ov opposites
06. Wormkind destruction
07. Imminent chaos
08. Beyond the fog and night
09. Downfall